BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The UAB women's soccer team hit the fields at West Campus early to open preseason camp Thursday morning in preparation for the upcoming 2014 schedule.

After completing a turnaround season in 2013, winning 11 games and notching the first winning season since the 2009 campaign, the Blazers return three All-Conference USA selections to this year's squad and four seniors.

"I just see a lot of potential and heart from everybody that's out here," senior Johanna Liney said.

"I think that coming out and knowing last season we won 11 games gets us fired up," sophomore Morgan Key-Adams said. "Coming into this season we are playing a lot of the same teams we tied from a year ago."

UAB was recently picked sixth in the Conference USA Preseason Poll, as voted on by the league's head coaches. The Blazers welcome 12 newcomers to this year's team, all true freshmen who make up nearly half of the 2014 roster and just reported to campus two days ago.

"We all have to be leaders and all realize that we've been there," Liney said. "We know what we're doing and they need our help, regardless if they ask. I know the help I needed when I was a freshman and I know they need the same. We just all have to step up to the plate and really help each other out."

UAB will continue preseason preparations as the regular season is right around the corner, right at two weeks away. The Blazers will begin the season on Aug. 22 against South Alabama in Mobile. After seven road matches to begin the schedule, UAB will open its home slate on Sept. 19 against Chattanooga at West Campus Field at 7 p.m. CT.

For more information on the UAB women's soccer team, follow the Blazers on Twitter (@UABWomensSoccer). For more on all Blazer sports teams follow the official Twitter account of UAB Athletics (@UABAthletics).